Lessons Learned from Working with Your Spouse/Significant Other - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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Lessons Learned from Working with Your Spouse/Significant Other

The Women in Landscape Network (WILN) is currently hosting the NALP WILN Virtual Networking Series, which is free to both NALP members and non-members. The series covers a number of timely, relevant topics in a variety of formats.

In a recent session titled Together 24/7: Working with Your Spouse/Significant Other, Claire and Charlie Goldman led participants in the discussion. Below are some of the takeaways from this session.

Set Boundaries

Itā€™s important to set boundaries and honor work time versus family time. This may look different for each couple and vary during the year (busy season vs. not). Treat your partner as a co-worker or colleague and understand how your communication impacts others on the team.

Actively work to have separate work vs personal time, but donā€™t beat yourself up if you talk about work when youā€™re not scheduled to. COVID-19 has made separating work and business even harder; donā€™t hesitate to create separate workspaces or whatever you need to do to be your best self for your family and your company.

Give and Take

You should manage deposits and withdrawals in a relationship. Itā€™s not healthy or sustainable to have one person always taking or one person always giving.

Adapting through growth and changes requires clear definition of roles, allowing managers to manage, and putting time into working on the company instead of in the company. Accept and step into the changes and challenges that come with growth.

Utilize Personality Tests

Several examples of personality tests were shared, with support to utilize them to help find a good match within leadership. Focus on each contributorā€™s strengths and weaknesses. Successful relationships understand the other person and provide empathy.

If youā€™d like to attend a future WILN session, upcoming topics include:Ā 

  • Building a Team Today and Bench Strength for the Future ā€“ Oct. 13
  • Moms in Landscaping ā€“ Oct. 27
  • Nutrition for Landscapers ā€“ Nov. 5
  • Addressing Loneliness ā€“ Nov. 10
  • Creating a Climate of Change ā€“ Nov. 17
  • Body Images – Building Each Other Up ā€“ Dec. 8
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ā€“ Dec. 17

Jennifer Lemcke, CEO of Weed Man, will lead the upcoming session ā€œBuilding a Team Today and Bench Strength for the Futureā€ on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. ET. This session will provide a deep dive into creating a process for your recruiting efforts. We will begin with the who, what, when, where and why of your recruiting efforts. Click here to register.

Links for registration are available in the WILN Facebook or notification via for those who have opted into WILN news and events. The NALP Women in Landscape Network and NALP WILN Virtual Networking Series are powered by Bayer.

Jill Odom

Jill Odom is the senior content manager for NALP.